BASAR, Feb 23: A one-day legal awareness workshop focusing on women’s rights and legal safeguards was successfully organized at the Marto Kamdak Multipurpose Cultural Hall here by the Galo Welfare Society (GWS), Women Wing in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW).
APSCW Chairperson Yalem Taga Burang, Vice Chairperson Tsering Dolma, and other members of the Commission led the workshop, which was coordinated by the GWS, Leparada Unit.
The workshop deliberated extensively on key issues concerning women’s welfare and legal rights including protection against domestic violence, upliftment of widows and destitute women, social and legal consequences of polygamy, the importance of marriage registration and prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces, with the objective to equipping the participants with knowledge of legal remedies and empowering them to assert their rights with confidence.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from women across different sections of society.
Local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi and Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena also attended the workshop.
In her address, the MLA emphasized the need for greater empowerment of women in society and urged them to be proactive in safeguarding their rights. Expressing grave concern over the prevailing drug menace in the region, she called upon mothers to play a decisive and ‘moulding’ role in protecting the younger generation from falling prey to substance abuse. She stressed that collective community effort and attentive parenting are essential to combat the growing threat.
The DC, in her speech, appreciated the initiative taken by GWS and APSCW for the welfare of women in the district. She urged all to speak up against any crime against women, stating that silence often emboldens perpetrators. She also advocated equal participation of men counterparts in such awareness programmes to foster a deeper understanding of gender-related issues and to promote shared responsibility in ensuring women’s safety and dignity.
In her keynote address, Burang called upon women to raise their voice against injustice. Emphasizing the need to raise voice against any form of injustice, she said, “Hume Bolna Hai- Raise your voice-your voice matters. If you do not speak out today, who else will do it for you? Your active participation will pave the way for others.”
She expressed concern over the low rate of marriage registration in our tribal society and urged all married ones to register their marriages as per law. While acknowledging the value of customary marriage systems, she stressed that official registration serves as a vital legal document in courts of law and helps safeguard women’s rights.
The Chairperson further highlighted the alarming rise of drug abuse among youth and called upon parents to adopt effective supervisory roles. Drawing from her experience as a social activist, she emphasized the importance of active parenting, regular monitoring of children’s activities, and early identification of warning signs.
Liter Bagra Doye, president GWS Women Wing, called upon participants to attentively engage with the resource persons, stating that awareness and legal knowledge are powerful tools in combating injustice and upholding the dignity of women.
Among the resource persons, APSCW member Kipa Kaya Rughu elaborated on legal protections available relating to domestic violence, welfare measures for widows and destitute women, and the adverse consequences of polygamy.
Another member, Kotu Bui provided detailed insights into the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace framework, explaining what constitutes sexual harassment and the mandatory formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in establishments employing ten or more workers for prompt redressal of complaints.
The workshop was also attended by Jarjum Gamlin Ete, the first Chairperson of APSCW, who also shared her insights during the deliberations.
A Jan Sunvai (public hearing) session was also conducted by the Commission later, providing an opportunity for individuals to present grievances and seek guidance on issues related to women’s rights and welfare. (DIPRO)